Thursday, December 05, 2013

Cold Snap

We in the Denver Metro Area are currently in the grip of a cold snap.  A mass of arctic air has come down and is cooling things down quite a bit.

Apparently, Denver recorded a new low last night, -13F which broke the old record of  -5F set in 2008.

It was -5F at the house as I geared up to go to the Encana Data Center in the Denver Tech Center, and it would take me about 40 minutes to get there in the slow-n-go traffic conditions on Arapahoe Road.

Roads were snow/ice covered, but with clear lanes where cars had gone previously.  Once in a while there were ice patches covering these clear lanes but nothing major.

Interestingly, it got colder as I approached the DTC and I was feeling it at my fingertips and toes.  It's apparently -9F as I sit here at the Data Center.

I am glad I changed Valencia's oil last night from 20W50 to 10W40, hopefully it'll help the engine start this afternoon when the forecast temperature will be a balmier +4F.

I am beginning to get an inkling as to why sometimes RichardM elects to drive in when temperatures are south of -20F up there in Fairbanks.


12 comments:

Lucky said...

BRR!

It's getting cold here in Minnesota too, but I don't think it has been that cold yet.

I went out for a ride the other day and discovered the gloves I have are woefully inadequate. No more riding for me this year, until I get better gloves and - as of yesterday - until the roads are clear of snow and ice again.

Unknown said...

Dom:

I can't imagine being in any temperature below Zero. Generally we have frost in the mornings but not today.

Would 5-30 synthetic be good for Valencia ? in sub zero temps ? Don't forget to bring your dual burner stove, just in case

bob
Riding the Wet Coast

redlegsrides said...

Lucky, yes, gloves are key...even with heated grips on high.

Bobskoot, it was "brisk". I am unsure re 5w30, will see how the 10w40 does today. I forgot the stove dang it.

RichardM said...

So that's where our winter went. I thought I left it in MN. They are forecasting another "Winter Storm Warning" for the next couple of days with warm temperatures and freezing rain. Oh joy...

Trobairitz said...

Damn that is cold. Not Alaska cold, but cold.....

Time to put the woolies on and take the car or the bus.

We woke to 15˚F in Corvallis, too damn cold for here.

BMW HACKER said...

yikes...-9*....You are a lot tougher than I. My BMW struggles to start at 30*....-9*?....mine would never start. Be safe out there.

redlegsrides said...

RichardM, I asked for snow, not these freezing temperatures. :) I'd be happy with snow and temperatures in the high 20s....

Trobairitz....yep, not Alaska cold, and it was plenty cold for me, it can start going back into the positives for sure....

Steve Williams said...

I've only ridden in temperatures below zero a couple times and generally short distances save for one 50 mile sub-zero ride. Each time though it was bright and sunny with no wind so it didn't seem oppressive.

Can't imagine making a 40 minute commute though, especially in the dark at the end of the day. A nice warm car seems especially luxurious at those temps.

Be careful out there with all the hot chocolate and coffee sipping drivers!

Steve Williams
<a href="http://vespalx150.blogspot.com>Scooter in the Sticks</a>

redlegsrides said...

Steve, as you rightly suspect, the longer the ride in sub-zero temps, the greater the chance for cold digits near the end....still, it wasn't too bad with the right gear on.

Cagers become even more menacing when you add in the snow/ice element....

Mike said...

Looks fun! Here in Scotland we've hardly had any Snow. It's still pretty cold and damp though. I've never ridden an outfit you ever spin it in the snow?

redlegsrides said...

Mike, thanks for commenting....I'd like to ride in Scotland one day. As to donuts on snow, sure!

donuts with my'96 Sportsman, Natasha

redlegsrides said...

BMW Hacker, I don't about being tougher....

As to starting in cold temperatures, my Ural has its issues starting in cold weather it seems. But so far, nothing that stranded me.

The present cold we're having is not usual, hopefully it'll go away soon.